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North Carolina Department of Environment Quality

NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Marine Fisheries - Eastern Oyster

Marine Fisheries

 

 

Eastern Oyster

8-point rule

 
 

Crassostrea virginica

Appearance: The heavy, rough, irregular shell is typically 3-6 inches in length. Shells are usually dark gray to rust colored. The meat (see photo 2) is generally cream colored, however shell and meat color may vary depending on growing area conditions. Easterm oysters are frequently consumed raw, regularly served in restaurants and raw bars. They are regularly sold live as well as shucked.

Typical Range: Gulf of Mexico to Maine. Oysters are most widely harvested along the U.S. Gulf Coast.

Pulbic Health Significance: Approved for human consumption if properly handled and labeled or tagged.

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N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries • 3441 Arendell Street • Morehead City, NC 28557 • 252-726-7021 or 800-682-2632

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